The University of Kitakyushu and six companies reported a lifecycle assessment of used-diaper recycling on March 31, 2025. They also announced a presentation at the Japanese LCA society’s research meeting that March.
The assessment compares incineration, a route recycling pulp while using SAP and plastic film as fuel feedstock, and a scenario materially recycling all three main components. The disclosed assumptions include equal numbers of adult and infant diapers.
This is a joint university–industry model of environmental effects, not an adult-only field measurement or a universal recycling result. Its estimated reductions depend on collection, treatment and substitution assumptions; performance in other systems requires separate evaluation.
Additional official sources
Chikuzen and six companies sign a used-diaper recycling partnership →